Faucet Repair in Bonita, CA

What is in Bonita's water that affects faucets?

Sweetwater Authority supplies Bonita with a blend of Sweetwater River water held in Sweetwater Reservoir, fresh groundwater from deep wells in National City, brackish groundwater from Chula Vista wells treated by reverse osmosis, and imported water. Its report lists total hardness between 94 and 300 ppm with an average near 196 ppm. That range is wide because the blend changes, but even the average leaves noticeable scale on aerators, ceramic discs and cartridge seals. Sweetwater uses chloramine as a disinfectant, and chloramine is slow but steady on rubber parts, drying or swelling O-rings and washers over the years.

Are faucets in a 1970s Bonita home worth rebuilding?

The median Bonita home was built around 1975. Houses that age often have a faucet replaced once or twice, but the angle stops, supply tubes and wall stubs may be original. If the faucet is a quality brand with a solid body, a new cartridge or washer set restores it. If the finish is flaking, the body is corroded or the maker no longer supports the model, replacement is the better value, and a plumber will usually suggest new stops and supply lines at the same time.

On the service line question, Sweetwater's lead service line inventory found no lead or galvanized service lines needing replacement, including customer-owned lines. Old faucets themselves can contain leaded brass, another reason a very old fixture is a candidate for replacement.

Who handles permits and water problems in Bonita?

Before a project that adds or moves fixtures, confirm with the building department that covers your address which permit, if any, applies. A straight faucet repair is routine work. For water problems at the meter, Sweetwater lists (619) 420-1413 for customer service and after-hours emergencies. Inside the house, close the stops under the sink or the main shutoff and call a plumber.

A Bonita note

If your property has several outdoor spigots for gardens and landscaping, they tend to get overlooked until one leaks into a planter or under a walkway. It is worth having them checked while a plumber is already on site.